The Apocalyptic Queen's Werewolf Journey (Thora and Darius) novel Chapter 46

**Shadows Hearts by Joseph King**
**Chapter 46: Protected by a General**

**Thora’s POV:**

Without warning, Felix stepped into the fray, his voice rising above the tension. “Dad, Mr. Lawson,” he proclaimed, his tone insistent and unwavering. “Thora’s engagement was arranged by the elders of both families. If it is to be canceled, shouldn’t it require their consent?”

A frown creased my forehead as I processed his words.

Why was he stepping in?

Yet, as I caught sight of the hurt and indignation etched across his youthful face, I realized he was genuinely upset by the way they were treating me. This kid had a good heart, one that shone through despite the chaos around us.

A warmth unfurled within me, an inexplicable softness that made it impossible to chastise him for his interference.

But my resolve remained unshaken; I was determined to sever this engagement once and for all.

Caleb, however, wasn’t done. He shot a frosty glance at Felix, then turned his disdainful gaze toward me. “I want to cancel my engagement with Thora! I’d rather die than marry this woman!” His words dripped with venom, each syllable a testament to his contempt.

“You little punk! Then I’ll kill you myself!”

The roar that erupted from the back of the crowd was raw and furious, the kind that commanded immediate attention. It carried the unmistakable authority of a military man, resonating through the air like thunder.

People quickly parted, creating a path for an elderly man in military uniform who strode forward with purpose. He appeared to be around sixty, adorned with gleaming rank insignia on his shoulder boards, a clear indication of his status.

An active-duty general.

A figure of immense power within the Astralis Empire.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically, the surrounding chatter fading into an uneasy silence. Even the act of breathing felt subdued, as if the crowd was collectively holding its breath in reverence.

“Grandpa?” Caleb’s arrogance evaporated in an instant, his face paling as though someone had yanked the very backbone from his stance.

Marcus and Gabby rushed forward, their voices taut with urgency. “Rio.”

Rio, the general, snorted coldly, his gaze sweeping over the trio before landing on Caleb. His voice boomed like a clarion call, filled with authority. “This engagement was arranged between me and Marlon. When did it become your place to decide? Cancel the engagement? I do not consent!”

The hall fell into a profound silence, the kind that made the air feel thick with tension.

Who would dare to challenge a general?

I had barely begun to process the gravity of the situation when an aged but powerful voice cut through the stillness. “I agree.”

Those two words landed with the weight of a hammer, directly opposing Rio’s declaration.

“Tell me, do you wish to break off this engagement?” His voice was deep and resonant, each word striking my heart with an undeniable weight.

“Marlon, my grandson was out of line in this!” Rio interjected hastily, desperation creeping into his voice. “I’ve already given him a stern talking-to. Don’t worry, I will ensure your granddaughter does not suffer any injustice!”

I glanced at Rio, a flicker of understanding igniting within me. It became clear why Marlon had orchestrated this engagement in the first place.

He was a man of true character, someone who held loyalty and honor in the highest regard.

Though Marlon had retired due to injury, and the influence of both the Silverleaf Pack and the Greens had diminished, he still treated Rio like a brother-in-arms, a testament to their shared history.

A man like that was indeed a valuable ally.

It was a pity that Caleb had inherited none of his grandfather’s admirable traits.

“Rio.” Marlon raised his hand, effectively cutting him off, his voice icy. “I will not allow my granddaughter to suffer even the slightest injustice. But she already has.”

Rio’s mouth opened, perhaps to protest further, but Marlon turned his gaze back to me, his voice filled with vigor and determination. “Thora, answer me!”

Meeting his intense gaze, something within me stirred, a sensation of being fiercely protected by someone, a feeling so foreign it made my nose tingle with unexpected emotion.

Yet, I maintained my calm exterior as I replied with unwavering conviction. “Grandpa, I want to break off the engagement with the Lawsons of the Argenvale Pack.”